#Bridgeport News: The Bluefish run of twenty years is over. Mayor Ganim announced today that Live Nation will take over at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Below are press statements from the mayor and the Bluefish:
Bluefish Statement Here:
The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club has been notified that the City of Bridgeport will pursue a proposal to turn The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, the team’s home since 1998, into an amphitheater intended for concerts.
“We are proud of the 20-year run the Bridgeport Bluefish have had,” said Bluefish principal owner Frank Boulton. “While we are disappointed the City decided to turn the ballpark into a 29-date concert venue, we wish them the best of luck, and we hope that all Bluefish fans will come out to support their first-place team as they drive towards a championship.”
The Bluefish have 20 remaining home dates in the ballpark, with upcoming promotions highlighted by Thurman Munson Bobbleheads on August 9, the Human Cannonball Show on August 11 and the final Fireworks shows in Bluefish history on Saturday, August 12 and Saturday, September 16. Tickets for the final Bluefish games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard are available by calling 203-210-BLUE, by logging on to BridgeportBluefish.com or by visiting The Ballpark at Harbor Yard Box Office.
Mayor Ganim’s Press Statement Is Here:
Mayor Ganim, is pleased to announce that Live Nation, the world’s largest and most complete live entertainment company, along with local owner of SportsCenter of Connecticut, Howard Saffan have partnered to create “Harbor Yard Amphitheatre, LLC” and have been selected as the developers and operators to bring entertainment to Bridgeport’s Harbor Yard with the development of a state-of-the-art Amphitheater. The ownership of the Amphitheatre will be retained by the City and will be developed at the investment of approximately $15 million dollars through a public/private partnership.
Mayor Ganim stated, “Bridgeport is excited and ready for this next step in revitalizing our city with positive development and providing music entertainment by bringing in a partner and company like Live Nation. We’ve enjoyed twenty years of successful entertainment with Bluefish Baseball and all that the Bluefish and owner, Frank Bolton have done for our community. This next chapter of Bridgeport’s future is bright with the benefits and experience of a world known entertainment company like Live Nation, and the historic success of Saffan as a venue operator, to bring in concerts and shows that will certainly put Bridgeport in the forefront as a destination place for family and friends.”
“This is a great boutique Ampitheatre for Bridgeport. We are looking forward to bringing great artists to Bridgeport,” said Jim Koplik.
“It is an honor to be awarded the RFP. Harbor Yard Amphitheater will be a “game changer” for the City of Bridgeport. The thought of hosting 25 concerts per summer is incredibly exciting for both the local business community as well as the concert goers from near and far. To have a partner like Live Nation insures the success of our state of the venue,” said Howard Saffan.
Live Nation Entertainment recognizes and appreciates the importance and popularity of venues in the marketplace and their value to the local communities and operates venues that are the cornerstone of successful developments. Live Nation Entertainment is one of the world’s leading artist management companies based on the number of artists represented that range from “up and comers” to veteran superstars like Elton John and Lady Gaga. In 2016, Live Nation promoted almost 26,300 music events that were attended by nearly 71 million fans.
Thomas Gill Director of OPED stated, “This is an exciting opportunity to further enhance what is happening in Bridgeport’s downtown. Live Nation is a nationally owned company that will be able to bring entertainment to be enjoyed by Bridgeport and surrounding towns throughout Connecticut.”
A Press Conference will be hosted on Thursday, August 10th at a time to be announced, to officially present Harbor Yard Amphitheatre, LLC and the plans for redevelopment.